KUALA LUMPUR: Pregnant women with a gestation period of 14 to 33 weeks will be given priority to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, the health ministry said.
Its primer deputy director of the Family Health Development Division Dr Nazrila Hairizan Nasir said while Pfizer remains the preferred choice for pregnant women, other vaccines could be used as well.
"We at the ministry recommend that pregnant women be administered Pfizer, so we will try our best to ensure they receive this vaccine.
"However, at places where this vaccine is not available such as at the rural areas, other vaccines can be used. We will also prioritise the mother's well-being," she said during a press conference today.
Present was Covid-19 National Immunisation Programme (NIP) coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin who earlier reviewed the process of administering Covid-19 vaccine to pregnant mothers at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) vaccination centre (PPV).
On possible side effects, Dr Nazrila said any side effects from the vaccines would be the same for everyone, including pregnant women.
"As of now, we know that these vaccines are safe to use and its benefits far outweighs the risks."
The Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee (JKJAV), in its latest Covid-19 vaccine guide, said studies have shown that the Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines are now suitable to vaccinate lactating mothers and pregnant mothers between 14 and 33 weeks of pregnancy.
For gestational beyond 33 weeks, JKJAV said vaccination may be possible after consultation with a doctor.